Why Is Omicron So Contagious?
The new coronavirus variant may be better than other versions at avoiding human immune defenses—but that ability may change in different countries -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
BA.5 skyrockets in US, now accounting for 78% of cases
Cases, hospitalizations, ICU admissions, and even deaths are increasing. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Spencer Platt) The omicron coronavirus subvariant BA.5 is hurtling toward complete domination in the US, now accounting for an e.....»»
Omicron-Specific COVID Boosters Are Coming
The FDA has called for updating COVID vaccines to address the Omicron subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. But will the shots keep up with the virus? -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
Omicron"s Nasty New Variants and Better Boosters to Battle Them: COVID, Quickly, Episode 34
On this episode of the COVID, Quickly podcast, we talk about the increase in new Omicron subvariants. Should fall vaccine boosters contain standard Omicron or some of those new... -- Read more on ScientificAmerican.com.....»»
Feds may expand 2nd boosters to all adults as anxiety surges over BA.5 wave
Booster expansion could come within 2 weeks and wouldn't preclude fall booster. Enlarge The swift rise of omicron subvariant BA.5—with its increased immune-evading abilities and demonstrable growth advantage—has federal o.....»»
Moderna to make two different omicron boosters: one for US, another for UK, EU
Moderna says its BA.1-targeting vaccine boosts protection against BA.4/5. Enlarge / A vial containing Moderna COVID-19 booster vaccine at a vaccination center. (credit: Getty | SOPA Images) The type of COVID-19 booster dose yo.....»»
Yet another omicron subvariant is raising concern as BA.5 sweeps the US
BA.2.75 is spreading quickly and widely. Three cases detected in US so far. Enlarge / MUMBAI, INDIA JUNE 7: A health worker collects swab samples of a citizen for Covid-19 test after cases are on the rise in the city, at TMC's C.R. Wa.....»»
Male dogs four times more likely to develop contagious cancer on nose or mouth than females
A new study has found that male dogs are four to five times more likely than female dogs to be infected with the oro-nasal form of Canine Transmissible Venereal Tumor......»»
BA.4/BA.5 will soon be dominant in the US. Here’s what that means
With the BA.4/5 rise, it's unclear what will come next—and if we'll see it coming. Enlarge / A COVID-19 testing tent stands in Times Square on April 27, 2022, in New York City. (credit: Getty | Spencer Platt) Omicron corona.....»»
Long COVID 20-50% less likely after omicron than delta in vaccinated people
It may seem reassuring, but it still means a whole lot of people with long-term symptoms. Enlarge / A long COVID patient sits with her daughter in her wheelchair while receiving a saline infusion at her Maryland home on Friday, May 27,.....»»
Moderna’s omicron-combo booster outcompetes current booster
Antibody data looks strong, but duration and subvariant effectiveness are unknown. Enlarge / A vial of the current Moderna COVID-19 vaccine. (credit: Getty | Ivan Romano) A combination COVID-19 booster dose that targets the an.....»»
With BA.2.12.1 now dominant in US, experts eye new subvariants BA.4 and BA.5
New data suggests BA.4, BA.5 are better at evading immune responses than BA.2.12.1. Enlarge / A person holds a positive SARS-CoV-2 rapid test on February 17, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. (credit: Getty | Thomas Trutschel) Omicron.....»»
BA.4, BA.5 gain ground in US, pose higher risk of breakthrough infections
New data suggests BA.4, BA.5 are better at evading immune responses than BA.2.12.1. Enlarge / A person holds a positive SARS-CoV-2 rapid test on February 17, 2022 in Berlin, Germany. (credit: Getty | Thomas Trutschel) Omicron.....»»
Welcome to the Great Reinfection
A repeat encounter with Covid used to be a rarity. But now that Omicron has changed the game, expect reinfections to be the new normal......»»
Sliding to mild? Nope—omicron BA.2 caused worse COVID symptoms than BA.1
Study of 1.5 M finds COVID symptoms shifted with variants. BA.2 caused the most. Enlarge (credit: Getty | Xinhua News Agency) Despite early suggestions that the omicron coronavirus subvariant BA.1 would be mild, a massive wav.....»»
Omicron caused spike in breathing condition in babies and toddlers, study finds
Omicron's predilection for upper airway may pose unique risk to young children. Enlarge / Parents look after their son, age 5, who is being treated for croup and asthma in an emergency room at a California hospital March 24, 2010. (cre.....»»
Switch to Moderna booster after Pfizer shots better against omicron in 60+
The study is small but adds to data finding benefits of mix-and-match boosting. Enlarge / The Comirnaty (Pfizer/BioNTech) and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines. (credit: Getty | Marcos del Mazo) People ages 60 and older who were initi.....»»
Unvaccinated North Korea reports omicron outbreak, raising fears of new variants
State media reported that people in the capital tested positive for BA.2 subvariant. Enlarge / People watch a television broadcast showing a file image of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a military parade at the Seoul Railway St.....»»
BA.2.12.1 poised to become dominant in US, raising concern for future vaccines
Omicron subvariants are evading vaccines and infection-derived protections. Enlarge / A medical worker arranges nucleic acid samples at a makeshift nucleic acid testing site on May 3, 2022 in Beijing, China. (credit: Getty | Pang Song.....»»
Omicron subvariants BA.4, BA.5 evade protection from earlier omicron infection
Data suggests possibility of new infection wave, though vaccination boosts protection. Enlarge / A COVID-19 testing tent stands in Times Square on April 27, 2022, in New York City. (credit: Getty | Spencer Platt) Enduring an.....»»
Wild horses quarantined in Fremont County facility after unknown disease kills 57
The Wild Horse facility in Cañon City, Colorado is quarantining their animals after the breakout of a highly contagious and sometimes fatal disease broke out, the Bureau of Land Management announced Monday......»»